Vita Corsentino Martello

A native of Canton, Miss., and a resident of Baton Rouge, she died Friday, Aug. 13, 2010. She was 96, born Oct. 11, 1913. Visitation at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church on Monday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Jack Nutter officiating. Interment in Roselawn Memorial Park. Preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Rockie R. Martello; a son, Dr. Cosimo "Tony" Martello; parents, Anthony and Rosalie Corsentino; sisters, Lena Pritchett and Theresa Swanson; brother, Salvatore "S.J." Corsentino; sisters-in-law, Cora Corsentino and Dorothy "Dot" Corsentino; and brothers-in-law, Jack Pritchett and Pete Pitre. She is survived by granddaughter, Gina Tarajano, whom she raised as a daughter, and a devoted grandson-in-law, Jorge Tarajano, and their two sons, Jordan and Jonathan Tarajano. In addition, she is also survived by two sisters, Mary Pitre and Josephine "Finnie" Zito and husband Frank; three brothers, Angelo Corsentino, Vincent "Lanky" Corsentino and Anthony "Tony" Corsentino and wife Patsy; grandchildren, Micah Martello, Matthew Martello, Miranda Guillot, Melissa Morales, Mitchell Martello and Meredith Martello; and great-grandchildren, Jordan, Jonathan, Molli, Max, Vance, Lacey, Mason, Chelsea, Courtney, Shane and André. Pallbearers will be Micah Martello, Matthew Martello, Forest Pitre, Pete Pitre Jr., Robert Graves and Ronnie Zito. Honorary pallbearers are Mitchell Martello, Lanky Corsentino, Angelo Corsentino, Anthony Corsentino and Pete Martello. She was a faithful parishioner for many years of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and more recently at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church. She was a longtime member of Catholic Daughters of America Court 1608, and the Altar Society. "Maw Maw" Vita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to everyone who knew her. She took many under her wing and will live on in their hearts forever. "Maw Maw" was a wonderful cook with the gift of nurturing and feeding countless family members, friends and strangers. She baked her own bread every Thursday morning for decades. And, like the bible story of the loaves and fishes (Mark 6:30-44), she never ran out of food, regardless of the number of people who showed up on her doorstep. Kindness and generosity filled all the days of her life. Through trials and difficulties, faith in the Lord was her strength. Vita's life was a life well-lived. "Well done good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice Foundation of Baton Rouge.